Palestinian Authority Restructures Controversial Prisoner Payment System

President Mahmoud Abbas announces changes to the 'pay for slay' program, but critics question whether payments to families of convicted terrorists will truly end.

• Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree transferring payments for families of prisoners and 'martyrs' from the Ministry of Social Development to a new agency, the Palestinian National Institution for Economic Empowerment.
• The changes aim to replace the controversial 'pay for slay' program with a needs-based social welfare system, but critics argue it may simply rebrand the payments under a different structure controlled by Abbas.
• Israel and Middle East analysts remain skeptical, claiming the payments will continue through alternative channels, undermining the stated reforms.
• The decision appears to be an effort to improve relations with the Trump administration, which has long demanded an end to the program as a condition for resuming U.S. aid to the PA.
• The move has drawn backlash from Palestinian factions, including Hamas, and risks further eroding Abbas's already low popularity among Palestinians.

3 Articles

Fox News Washington Free Beacon